3/27/2009 -- With Windows 7 scheduled to be released later this year, Microsoft Learning is closing in on exam development. On the Born to Learn blog, the group announced some preliminary information on three new MCST-level exams for the upcoming OS.

The news at this point is sparse; what's known so far is that the group already has three exams in development:

• 70-680, TS: Windows 7, Configuring
• 70-685, MCITP: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician
• 70-686, MCITP: Windows 7, Desktop Administrator

With exam development just getting underway, exam objective guides haven't been posted yet. Microsoft Learning through the blog post has put out a call for subject matter experts to help with development on 70-686, Desktop Administrator.

Currently, it's unknown when beta exams will be made available.

In the meantime, Microsoft Learning has released two new courses for Windows 7 early adopters: Clinic 6289A: First Look: Windows 7 Beta for IT Professionals and Hands-On Lab 6290A: First Look: Windows 7 Beta for IT Professionals Hands-on Lab. Both courses are instructor-led, with limited availability. Michael Domingo